There are hundreds of lists with clever advices saying what you must take when traveling. TOP 3 would be your passport, plane tickets and a toothbrush. It seems with these you can conquer the world! Or at least make your journey as smooth as possible. Despite the fact these 3 are necessary for every trip, they’re kind a obvious, right? What about other, not so obvious, but practical things?
I remembered what I usually pick up, then I thought it would be nice to hear what others do (it’s like a quick yet legal look on friend’s bag). So I did what everyone would do – looked around and asked my friends (some of them were actually getting ready for a trip) – guys, what things do you never forget to take when traveling? Here’s what I found out.
Comfortable shoes!
Okay, this one isn’t very original, but absolutely good. There’s no need to be Captain Obvious to understand that travel means walking (unless you are going to Barbados or other sunny beach where you don’t need shoes at all. But I’m talking about a different kind of trip here). And if you want to get to know the city you’re visiting, your feet will be the necessity. Preferable without blisters or wounds. So don’t even think to wear a new pair of shoes! Kiss them goodbye and grab a pair of your oldies. “On every travel I need to be sure, that my shoes won’t betray me!” – said my friend Urtė.
Headphones!
It seems the headphones is that one thing no one forget to take, but some days we forget to take even the head. Especially when this same head is full of “Must do” lists before the trip. “I can’t go on a trip without my headphones not because it’s the only way to escape from crying children in the airplane, – said my colleague Asta. It’s because of music – I like to walk on the streets I never knew, listen to my music and collect new memories. And whenever I hear one or another song, I always remember my adventures.”
Nuts!
Or other similar snack. I have a friend who literary doesn’t go anywhere without a small box of hazelnuts. She says that this is how she keeps her mind clear. I agree with her – hungry stomach plays aren’t exactly what you would like to hear. Or remember. Plus – a little snack in your bag can always help you to avoid overpriced candy bars in airports!
Reusable water bottle!
My friend Alina, who by the way travels a lot, shared two things she never leaves when traveling. One of them is reusable water bottle. “In Lithuania we have our liquid gold that comes straight from the tap – our water. I drink a lot of water and I try to never buy water in bottles, especially in plastic. If I have to – I choose glass bottle that can be reused. When I travel, I refill my bottle, but unfortunately water doesn’t taste as good as at home. Except maybe in Iceland,” – smiled Alina.
Keepsake bag!
Aaand this one is my favorite! I can’t retell you Alina’s words, I just quote her: “My keepsake bag. It’s a bag with my talismans and memorable things. It’s always in my backpack and goes wherever I am going. What’s in it – a rosary – a gift from my grandma on my first communion, a seashell that travelled with me Camino, a stone from the black sand beach in Iceland, a wooden cross – a gift from my dear friend, and a compass.”
So this is how we do it. After all, there’s nothing you can’t do with reliable shoes, good music, bottle of water and full stomach! Well, don’t forget your passport and plane tickets…
Written by Edita Norkevičūtė
